Summary
American Express Company (AXP) reported strong performance for the quarter ending June 29, 2011, with significant year-over-year growth in several key metrics. Total revenues net of interest expense increased by 12% to $7.6 billion, driven primarily by a 16% rise in discount revenue, fueled by an 18% increase in billed business volumes globally. This growth was supported by improved credit performance, leading to a 45% decrease in provisions for losses. Despite increased investments in rewards programs and higher salaries and employee benefits, the company's expenses grew by 21%. However, a lower effective tax rate, down to 27% from 36% in the prior year, contributed to a 31% increase in net income to $1.3 billion and a rise in diluted Earnings Per Share (EPS) to $1.10. The company maintained strong capital ratios, well above regulatory requirements, and continued its commitment to returning capital to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases.
Financial Highlights
38 data points| Operating Income | $1.29B |
| Interest Expense | $577.00M |
| Net Income | $1.33B |
| EPS (Basic) | $1.11 |
| EPS (Diluted) | $1.10 |
| Shares Outstanding (Basic) | 1.19B |
| Shares Outstanding (Diluted) | 1.20B |
Key Highlights
- 1Total revenues net of interest expense grew 12% year-over-year to $7.6 billion, driven by an 18% increase in worldwide billed business volumes.
- 2Discount revenue, the largest revenue source, increased 16% to $4.3 billion, reflecting strong cardholder spending.
- 3Provisions for losses decreased significantly by 45% to $357 million, indicating improved credit quality and lower write-offs.
- 4Net income rose 31% to $1.3 billion, and diluted EPS increased to $1.10, benefiting from revenue growth and a lower effective tax rate (27% vs 36% prior year).
- 5Cardmember rewards expenses increased substantially by 35% to $1.6 billion due to higher spending volumes and increased redemption costs.
- 6The company's capital position remained robust, with Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio at 12.3% and Tier 1 leverage ratio at 10.1% as of June 30, 2011.
- 7American Express returned $966 million to shareholders in the quarter through dividends and share repurchases, representing approximately 61% of capital generated.